PUGET SOUND 



of the bluff that bounds Port Townsend Bay, 

 while another nearly level space of moderate 

 extent, reaching from the base of the bluff to 

 the shore-line, is occupied by the business 

 portion, thus making a town of two separate 

 and distinct stories, which are connected by 

 long, ladder-like flights of stairs. In the streets 

 of the lower story, while there is no lack of 

 animation, there is but little business noise as 

 compared with the amount of business trans- 

 acted. This in great part is due to the scarcity 

 of horses and wagons. Farms and roads back 

 in the woods are few and far between. Nearly 

 all the tributary settlements are on the coast, 

 and communication is almost wholly by boats, 

 canoes, and schooners. Hence country stages 

 and farmers' wagons and buggies, with the 

 whir and din that belong to them, are wanting. 

 This being the port of entry, all vessels have 

 to stop here, and they make a lively show about 

 the wharves and in the bay. The winds stir 

 the flags of every civilized nation, while the 

 Indians in their long-beaked canoes glide 

 about from ship to ship, satisfying their curi- 

 osity or trading with the crews. Keen traders 

 these Indians are, and few indeed of the sail- 

 ors or merchants from any country ever get 

 the better of them in bargains. Curious groups 

 of people may often be seen in the streets and 



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